Research and Analysis on the Topology of a Four-Stage Electromagnetic Launch Circuit With Energy Recovery Mechanism

Abstract

Multistage reluctance electromagnetic launchers (REMLs) suffer from relatively low energy utilization because a considerable portion of the residual magnetic energy stored in the launch coils is dissipated after each discharge. Although various residual-energy recovery approaches have been proposed, most existing topologies require additional active switching devices or complicated energy-transfer paths, resulting in increased circuit complexity, higher control requirements, and reduced engineering practicality. To address these limitations, this article proposes a four-stage REML incorporating an odd–even grouped interstage energy recovery topology. By employing coupled inductors, the residual magnetic energy released from each launch stage is directly transferred to the storage capacitors of subsequent stages without introducing additional active switching devices. The recovered energy increases the capacitor voltages before the next charging cycle, thereby shortening the charging time, improving energy utilization, and enhancing repetitive-launch capability while maintaining a simple and scalable circuit configuration. The proposed topology is investigated through MATLAB/Simulink circuit simulation, Maxwell–Simplorer electromagnetic–circuit cosimulation, and experimental validation using a four-stage prototype equipped with a photoelectric position-triggering system. To comprehensively evaluate the operating characteristics of the proposed topology, experiments are conducted under charging voltages ranging from 200 to 400 V with storage capacitances of 220 and $330~\mu $ F. The capacitor voltage, coil current, projectile velocity, and launch performance are systematically analyzed under different operating conditions. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed topology achieves stable and effective interstage energy recovery over the entire operating range. The maximum deviation between the simulated and measured projectile velocities is less than 5%. Compared with the conventional four-stage launcher, the proposed topology increases the projectile exit velocity and launch efficiency while reducing the capacitor charging time through residual magnetic energy reutilization. These results demonstrate that the proposed topology provides a simple, reliable, and effective solution for improving the energy utilization and repetitive-launch performance of multistage REMLs.